tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40028661721880330682018-02-15T21:52:20.680-08:00ELDER DREW CARSONElder Carson is serving as a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mexico Cancun Mission. He entered the Mexico City Missionary Training Center (MTC) on October 11, 2016, and is expected to serve for two years. Check back here to keep up on his thoughts and experiences!Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-56413114777465646672018-01-22T08:35:00.001-08:002018-01-22T08:35:45.042-08:00Year 2, Week 14<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I know, I know, IT’S EARLY!&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">BUT... I didn’t know I was gonna have PDay on Saturday this time. I thought for sure that I was going to stay in Kukulcan Ward and that Elder Walk was going to leave me, but President called to announce my transfer to......<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The mission offices! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I’ll have Saturday PDay as long as I stay here, so adjust your calendars, phone alarms, refrigerator-door-reminders, etc. (That’s a joke). <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">--------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: A goal, if it is to be effective, has to be a revelatory process in which God shows one his potential, and the individual chooses to triumph. Love is the only leadership style that can inspire this in a person. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I was listening to Elder Uchtdorf’s talk about using fear to manipulate people, and I realized that the way I was trying to motivate the elders of my zone was, at least in part, based on their fear that I would not trust them if they failed to produce better results. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">After repenting and using other methods, such as sharing relevant scriptures and insights with the District Leaders to help them arrive at their solutions, we saw a BIG leap in success finding investigators. They had heard our Zone-goals many times, but only after leading with love did they choose to APPLY those goals through prayer and personal revelation. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">With which do you choose to lead? Fear, or love?&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">-----------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">My new companion is Elder Vergara, a 25-year-old from Chile. He’s an International Business graduate, and he’ll be attending BYU after finishing the mission in May. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">We’re buds. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Highlights from our first week together:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]-->We picked up the new missionaries from the airport. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]-->We attended the farewell dinner for the dying missionaries in the (super fancy) mission home.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]-->We planned and executed a Leadership Conference for the Zone Leaders in the mission. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]-->We had a baptism!! :D It’s a guy named Ulisses who has a small business bringing a trampoline to the park and letting the littluns jump for 10 pesos. He reminds me of Willy Wonka. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]-->We had a planning meeting with President Reynoso. President is a really, REALLY good and funny human behind the scenes XD <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]-->We bought cake for the secretaries.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Vergara calls me Elder Spongebob because I’m an innocent square (-_- ayy...jaja) and I call him Elder Druggy because he hauls his personal pharmacy around for his headaches X) I love the guy. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Anyway, we’re working hard to make sure the mission baptizes!! I hope all of you are having joy, satisfaction, and success in your daily affairs. Until next Saturday!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">--------------------------------------------</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLdGyI7hgDY/WmYSe3oe-LI/AAAAAAAABoE/ESkqyiyLQM4J1owFro3ZpOZM7QxCZ9QGACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-20%2BMission%2BOffice%2BElder%2BSpongebob%2Bin%2Bthe%2BTrunk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLdGyI7hgDY/WmYSe3oe-LI/AAAAAAAABoE/ESkqyiyLQM4J1owFro3ZpOZM7QxCZ9QGACLcBGAs/s400/2018-01-20%2BMission%2BOffice%2BElder%2BSpongebob%2Bin%2Bthe%2BTrunk.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">When President says "Get in the trunk!" because there´s not room for us and the returning missionaries. (feat. Elder Spongebob)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YlmzvSR9Xrk/WmYSepGa4_I/AAAAAAAABoA/zE4N1PPxH-wM0H_A398VSN29_jZJ54R3ACEwYBhgL/s1600/2018-01-20%2BMission%2BOffice%2BElder%2BDruggy%2Bin%2Bthe%2BTrunk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YlmzvSR9Xrk/WmYSepGa4_I/AAAAAAAABoA/zE4N1PPxH-wM0H_A398VSN29_jZJ54R3ACEwYBhgL/s400/2018-01-20%2BMission%2BOffice%2BElder%2BDruggy%2Bin%2Bthe%2BTrunk.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Elder Druggy in his corner of the trunk.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-25004010681757970132018-01-22T08:32:00.001-08:002018-01-22T08:32:08.550-08:00Year 2, Week 13<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Happy half-week!! Once again, I forgot to remind you all about the Saturday PDay. Ni modo! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: I would like to re-emphasize the need to make valiant decisions BEFORE seeing a sign from God that it was the right choice.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">In Alma 56:44-46, the army of Helaman demonstrated great courage in choosing to face their enemies and defend their country. It was only AFTER making the decision, back-tracking a fair distance, and entering combat with the lamanites that God showed them a sign. In verse 50, we see that Antipus and his army was about to fall be the sword - Helaman’s 2000 stripling warriors arrived just in time to defend their brothers and win the battle.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">I’ve heard from many of you who are making valiant decisions in your lives, whether it be in your studies, personal lives, or in the choice to serve a mission. The funny thing is, in the mission, time is like a movie in fast-forward, and it gives me such joy to watch as the Lord blesses you for your faith and courage.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Keep consulting with the Lord in all things!&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">-----------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">I still haven’t received the news about transfers, so that will be a surprise for next time! I imagine that I’m staying here. President told me that the original plan was for me to come to Kabah in January, but I came early because of special circumstances with the previous zone leader.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">This week, I had plenty of adventures. We peacefully defended the faith against a rather contentious Bible-basher (hint - we didn’t Bible-bash). We chose to obey a rather "trivial" rule even in the face of scorn from members and were later blessed by finding a WHOLE family that accepted a baptismal date in February. We fixed some behavioral problems in the zone, and it total, the missionaries of Kabah found 30 people to baptize next month!&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">I believe that our success can be attributed to our focus in responding to first promptings of the Spirit. I can’t tell you how many times this week I thought "that guy’s busy, I’ll leave him alone", only to follow the Spirit and discover that (1) he was taught by the missionaries before, (2) had attended church before, or (3) is a less-active member that just moved in. God really does know better than we do WHO He puts in our path.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">And, our house is very clean, and it makes me happy :D<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Love,&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">---------------------------------</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_CP2NHNSNg/WmYRpu1XDuI/AAAAAAAABns/Q0h9D5YXYpsHN6SdNFyjWF5ZGPa4YjgOgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-13%2BKabah%2BBerry%2BFamily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_CP2NHNSNg/WmYRpu1XDuI/AAAAAAAABns/Q0h9D5YXYpsHN6SdNFyjWF5ZGPa4YjgOgCLcBGAs/s400/2018-01-13%2BKabah%2BBerry%2BFamily.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Brother Berry (Hno. Mora) and his family!!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hj7df9p2KME/WmYRptfXLsI/AAAAAAAABnw/j-nBd5ICC_o7A1pGG1W_TUjpsN6cKB7FQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-13%2BKabah%2BElder%2BCuautle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hj7df9p2KME/WmYRptfXLsI/AAAAAAAABnw/j-nBd5ICC_o7A1pGG1W_TUjpsN6cKB7FQCLcBGAs/s400/2018-01-13%2BKabah%2BElder%2BCuautle.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Exchanges with the beloved (and incredible) District Leader, Elder Cuautle! Once again, I´m offering professional photography services XP haha.</span></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-23764941369593021612018-01-22T08:24:00.001-08:002018-01-22T08:24:48.976-08:00Year 2, Week 12<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Hello my friends!! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: Continuing on the theme of "FRUIT", this week I was pondering how we can give good fruit in our lives. I found a good example of when Moroni makes the Title of Liberty.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">1) Alma 46:11 – Moroni feels the need to defend the church. BUT he doesn’t stop with his feelings.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">2) Alma 46:12 – Moroni makes a PLAN to solve an important problem.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">3) Alma 46:13,16 – Moroni prays and begs God to consecrate his plan.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">4) Alma 46:19 – Moroni EXECUTES his plan with complete faith, not doubting the power of God.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">5) Alma 46:20 – Moroni leads by inviting others intrepidly to follow the Lord and make COVENANTS. In this way, he wins their loyalty.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">As we face problems and challenges in our lives, let’s avoid begging God to solve everything. Instead, let’s follow the example of Moroni and BRING our dreams to fruitfulness!!&nbsp;&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">I don’t have much time, but I’d like to let you all know that I’m HAPPIER THAN EVER here in Cancún!&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">We’re teaching the grandkids of an active sister, who range from 12 to 15 years old. They have been taught many times, but Elder Walk and I were determined to give them a special impression. We planned a game to play with them that involved shouting like a Mariachi to explain the importance of following the prophet, and we EXECUTED the plan, trying not to doubt the power of God at all. The result was AWESOME - not only did the kids have a blast, but we attracted neighborhood kids with our Mariachi screams!!!&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Apparently it’s funny when a white guy screams VIVA MEXICO!!!&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">I also had time this week to reflect on the life of President Monson. It is impressive to me how much loyalty the members here feel towards the deceased prophet. I saw many tears and heard many tender feelings expressed during Fast and Testimony meeting.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Anyway... that’s all for this episode! Stay tuned, and READ YOUR SCRIPTURES!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Love,&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-80267839575978213242018-01-22T08:22:00.000-08:002018-01-22T08:22:33.869-08:00Year 2, Week 11<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Well howdy-doo, friends! What an inspiring week it’s been!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: I was once again reading in Alma 32 when I learned something new about faith. Notice that, in the analogy that Alma gives, faith starts as a seed and grows into a plant that gives fruit. Why fruit? Why not flower? Why not vegetable? A fruit, scientifically speaking, is a vehicle for seeds, which later become new plants. As we spiritually mature, it is inevitable that we will plant seeds of faith in those around us by our words and deeds. Like a fruit entices us to eat and "participate" with its rich flavor, we should let the flavor of the Gospel be evident to those around us so that they, too, feel a desire to come and "participate" of the fruit. This is the essence of missionary work.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">How will you let others know how tasty the fruit of the Gospel is this week?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">-------------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This week was fun with all the celebrations we witnessed. The people really do come together in this time of year to show love to others. We saw more smiles, we felt more love, and had more opportunities to serve.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I felt the Spirit especially strongly yesterday when we went WAY out of our way to give a blessing to an elderly sister. I think when we sacrifice for others, we become much more sensitive to inspiration and personal revelation. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Hmm, what else? OH! It was a blessing to talk to the family on Christmas Day! I’m not sure why, but as I spoke with them, I felt an increased desire to continue serving in the mission field. I’m ever-grateful for the 9.5 short months that I still have to give the Lord my all. There’s honestly nothing like it. (For those considering mission service.... just.... DOO IT!! Shia Le Bouf style). <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Unfortunately, our investigators were all on vacation, BUT we spent time doing a Book of Mormon project with members. On a not-so.related note, there are a LOT of celebrity look-alikes in our ward!!! We have Toby Maguire, Lenny Kravitz, and Jack Black, to name a few. I’ll try to get photos with all of them :D<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">That will be all! Love you to death!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">-------------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2hK-PhSQzYw/WmYPXN3RehI/AAAAAAAABnY/TV9n5lxBh2kVfol__sdKwa3l03czh8uCACLcBGAs/s1600/2017-12-18%2BKukulcan%2BSnowman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2hK-PhSQzYw/WmYPXN3RehI/AAAAAAAABnY/TV9n5lxBh2kVfol__sdKwa3l03czh8uCACLcBGAs/s400/2017-12-18%2BKukulcan%2BSnowman.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our Christmas activity involved..... this.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvGyfS1tjyA/WmYPXKcpxhI/AAAAAAAABnQ/s3OPrEx136UAbSGImtDLXuNFvVboXFMaQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-12-18%2BKukulcan%2BEnrique%2BFelipe%2BGallardo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvGyfS1tjyA/WmYPXKcpxhI/AAAAAAAABnQ/s3OPrEx136UAbSGImtDLXuNFvVboXFMaQCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-12-18%2BKukulcan%2BEnrique%2BFelipe%2BGallardo.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Enrique Felipe Gallardo. It was a pleasure.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZtZGze4bkY/WmYPXD477gI/AAAAAAAABnU/9l3OZklCWGIki7GLPhnYs_TmEZA2S_DWQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-12-18%2BKukulcan%2BEcuadorian%2BDinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZtZGze4bkY/WmYPXD477gI/AAAAAAAABnU/9l3OZklCWGIki7GLPhnYs_TmEZA2S_DWQCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-12-18%2BKukulcan%2BEcuadorian%2BDinner.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">DINNER FROM ECUADOR! :D​</span></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-36173021519939695622017-12-18T14:32:00.003-08:002017-12-18T14:32:42.729-08:00Year 2, Week 10<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Merry Christmas everyone!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I was just remembering how my dad is famous for wishing every passing stranger a Merry Christmas during these precious weeks, and now that I’m in the mish, I find myself doing the same thing. Funny how that is, huh? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This week was FULL of fun! We had our Multi-Zone Christmas program (which was a beautiful disaster) and our White Night with several baptisms.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">In the Christmas program, we put on a show and dressed up for a modernized missionary-nativity. We sang himns and ate good food. I decorated a new missionary in flashing Christmas lights becuase he was the angel. President Reynoso told dumb jokes between the acts that made us laugh far too much. We destroyed piñatas and filled the empty spaces of our stomachs with candy. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The season is bright. We live in a nice area right now, so the Christmas lights are good. Next week I’ll try to send photos, but I can’t make promises. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">We’re teaching a family of Austrians! The Kruscher family. They speak German and English, so we’re trying to learn as fast as we can! If we can’t speak English by tomorrow, we’ll have to bring Sister Alejandra to translate for us. We special-ordered them four Book of Mormons in German so that they would get excited to learn. It worked!! They’re very excited to hear our message. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Anything else? OH! I’ve been learning how to be firm with the missionaries. Elder Juarez (President’s assistent) noticed that I demostrate too much love (..half-joking), so he’s been coaching me in how to make things very VERY clear to the Elders when they need to be. I admire the guy a lot for his ability to repremand with love, and even though I STRONGLY DISLIKE ordering people to do things, I know it’s a necessary skill to be an effective leader. Even Jesus had to do it, but He always did it with the best interest of the other person in mind.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Anyway.... STUDY YOUR SCRIPTURES!! (haha.... just practicing...) <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I love you all, and thank you for your continued support. The time goes way too fast. We’ll be seeing eachother before you know it!! Have an adventure this week! Share the Gospel with someone new! It will bring you so many blessings that you can’t even count them!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-59173919196208098342017-12-11T09:49:00.001-08:002017-12-11T09:49:12.200-08:00Year 2, Week 9<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">President called me last Satuday night to tell me that my transfers were changed! I would no longer be staying in Playa del Carmen with my dear buddy Elder del Toro.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">And where do you think I went? Well, back to my homeland of Cancún, of course! This time, I’m assigned as Zone Leader in Kabah Stake, where Elder Walk and I are serving in Kukulcan Ward. President, his assistants, and the secretaries are all in our zone.... O.o It’s a little bit of pressure, admit, but I’M SUPER PUMPED. So ain’t nobody gonna bring us down! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">We’ve been focusing on the church’s LIGHT THE WORLD initiative. The members are very excited to participate with us, and we’re using that positive energy to bring the Restored Gospel to as many people as possible! I have a personal goal to share the initiative with 50 people every day, and so far so good. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">To start off the new transfer well, Elder Walk and I made a bunch of lime pies (Elder Carson’s signature) and rallied some members to help us share it all with the neighbors. The idea is to establish ourselves well with those closest to us. How can we expect to find new investigators miles away if we don’t even know the name of the guy next door? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">We’re trying to infect the zone with the same enthusiasm. Sometimes the missionaries seem to be sleeping (even while they’re walking in the streets!), so we helped them set goals to talk with as many people as possible. I’ve carried over some old ideas from Playa and Chetumal to help them be more obedient, as well. We send them questions from the scriptures at 6:25am, and the first ones to answer win points towards a prize at the end of the 6-week period!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">If you guys have more ideas, let me know! Yall are more creative than I am!! :) <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I’d just like to share with you guys my testimony. Christ lives. HE LIVES. We would be able to see him and feel the marks in his hands if he weren’t physically distant. He is a person, like you and me, with a body of flesh and blood. He is my Savior and my mentor in this great work. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Remember Him this Christmas, and do your part to LIGHT THE WORLD!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">------------------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K2LP0FvAiXM/Wi7E1fmyNpI/AAAAAAAABm4/gBMPbXG_o3MYgHDNtWgIBkpbefab0jp1wCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-12-11%2BKukulcan%2BCyber%2BCafe%2Bwith%2BElder%2BWalk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K2LP0FvAiXM/Wi7E1fmyNpI/AAAAAAAABm4/gBMPbXG_o3MYgHDNtWgIBkpbefab0jp1wCLcBGAs/s320/2017-12-11%2BKukulcan%2BCyber%2BCafe%2Bwith%2BElder%2BWalk.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Elder Walk and I chillin in the Ciber-café right now!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QMb6SN9DJRE/Wi7EtgRckBI/AAAAAAAABms/IurIvUMNq3oSoqFP0CgXCDyrnk2iSCfigCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-12-11%2BKukulcan%2BZona%2BPlaya%2BStreet%2BDisplay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QMb6SN9DJRE/Wi7EtgRckBI/AAAAAAAABms/IurIvUMNq3oSoqFP0CgXCDyrnk2iSCfigCEwYBhgL/s320/2017-12-11%2BKukulcan%2BZona%2BPlaya%2BStreet%2BDisplay.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Zona Playa!! We had this greeting-party set up outside the church to raise awareness of the program.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-amCmA1kNvAo/Wi7Etq9GAmI/AAAAAAAABm0/c6SHKzhSkEkFqaHevRe9EWWyBPgScB6UACEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-12-11%2BKukulcan%2BChristmas%2BLights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-amCmA1kNvAo/Wi7Etq9GAmI/AAAAAAAABm0/c6SHKzhSkEkFqaHevRe9EWWyBPgScB6UACEwYBhgL/s320/2017-12-11%2BKukulcan%2BChristmas%2BLights.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 16px;">Christmas time in Kukulcan!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-87701196467746417532017-12-11T09:44:00.004-08:002017-12-11T09:45:02.771-08:00Year 2, Week 8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">HELLO MY FRIENDS! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I feel like 3.25 seconds have passed since I last wrote you. This week has been rather fun, seeing as we had to find a new house to live in. Lots of miracles in the process. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">TRANSFERS NEWS: ....... Everything stays the same, folks! I will have my second Christmas and New Year’s here in Peten Ward with my buddy Elder del Toro, and I couldn’t be happier! This transfer, I will also complete 15 months in the mission. Terrifying. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Questions!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: Most dangerous mission day? </b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: Uhm. We’re mostly protected. There was one time that we had to stay indoors for two days for a&nbsp; shooting in Cancùn, but that’s the only danger I remember! All the tropical storms have evaded us. There was a recent Pink-Eye pandemic in the whole peninsula, but it didn’t get to me!!! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: Best day ever?</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: Today, just like every day!!! :D Seriously, one of mym favorite experiences was a mass-baptism we had here in Playa. Seven personas. In one part, a brother baptzed his two parents. Intensely spiritual. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: Goofiest person you’ve met? </b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: Miguel. In my current ward. He’s crazy, and he falls asleep (hardcore) in the lessons we invite him to. Fortunately, everybody loves him, so it provides a little bit of humor. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Thanks for tuning in! Love you all! The church is true and the Lord is good. Missionary work is the greatest blessing in my life. I hope you’ll all committ to share the Gospel with a friend this week. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">--------------------------</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrKLCpYfu_M/Wi7D7CTTXRI/AAAAAAAABmk/ddNhxA3oT-QKelHMSMofod3cwZbhamiCgCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-12-02%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BElder%2BErickson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrKLCpYfu_M/Wi7D7CTTXRI/AAAAAAAABmk/ddNhxA3oT-QKelHMSMofod3cwZbhamiCgCLcBGAs/s400/2017-12-02%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BElder%2BErickson.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Elder Erickson - Ready for Rain</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GlHFUiU85qE/Wi7D7DQEO8I/AAAAAAAABmo/t8lozzjCvIgp3m0eVA1gktwQs922vEh4wCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-12-02%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BZona%2BPlaya%2Bdel%2BCarmen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GlHFUiU85qE/Wi7D7DQEO8I/AAAAAAAABmo/t8lozzjCvIgp3m0eVA1gktwQs922vEh4wCLcBGAs/s400/2017-12-02%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BZona%2BPlaya%2Bdel%2BCarmen.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Zona Playa del Carmen!!!!</span></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-50455133021035735462017-11-27T12:03:00.000-08:002017-11-27T12:03:32.567-08:00Year 2, Week 7<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">SO MANY THINGS TO TALK ABOUT. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This week....<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">- I had my 20th birthday. I thank you all sincerely for sending me good wishes. I hope you all receive (edible) blessings for that. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">- I had an appointment in the Immigration offices in Cancun that I forgot until the night before. I think I broke a world record getting from our house to the mission offices. 50 minutes. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">- CONFERENCE AND LEADERSHIP COUNCIL WITH ELDER PINO OF THE SEVENTY. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">- Marlon’s baptism!!!!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">... and much more. BUT I wanted to write you all personally, so I used up my time... O.o <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I hope you all have a blessed week. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson (Your favorite Mexican-boy missionary)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-89190627205268650372017-11-20T13:34:00.002-08:002017-11-20T13:34:40.864-08:00Year 2, Week 6<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Well then!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I never thought I’d have to put on my "deal or no deal" face, but Sister Reynoso told me to do just that with the owner of our house. The owner didn’t want to accept responsibility for some pre-existing damage, so I had to pull out the receipts, call other missionaries, aannnnnnnnnndddd LOTS of other fun stuff. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Remember. Everyone is a child of God. Deep breaths. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">More than mundane details, this week was FULL of miracles!!! Elder del Toro and I found THREE complete families (father, mother, children), and one of them went to church without any help. It was one of the happiest feelings when I saw them all getting out of their taxi dressed up Sunday-style. The dad’s name is Rodolfo, and the mom is Rosi. They have angelic qualities, honestly. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">We also taught Pablo and his family. After teaching somewhat of a mix between the Restoration and the Plan of Salvation, he said, "well I don’t know about my family, but I’ve already decided to go through with this." Awesome. The family was a referral from a member in Cancun. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">During an activity with the Relief Society, we were able to get 23 referrals in 20 minutes. The sisters were super excited to tell us about their friends and family who are "probably ready" to accept the Gospel! We told them to bring their friends to church while we work to set formal appointments with all of them. XD<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">ANND as part of the Christmas program we’re organizing, we talked to the councilor in the stake presidency about options for food. He said "I’m so glad you came to my family to ask about this. We’ve wanted to give a gift to the missionaries for many years now. We’ll make all 28 of you dinner, and we’ll bring you piñatas to break, too."<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">*jaw drop caused by pure generosity* That’s pioneer-calibur faith and devotion there. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Anyway, I’m happy, and the Christmas spirit is here (in rain-form instead of snow). I hope this week is an excellent week for all of you. May you all be showered with buckets of fun and blessings. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-51065092613338854462017-11-14T10:25:00.005-08:002017-11-14T10:25:44.301-08:00Year 2, Week 5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Hey, family!! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Things are very very VERY wet here in Playa del Carmen!!! We’ve had a ton of rain, to the point that E. del Toro and I took off our ponchos because they weren’t helping much. We got wet, but it was fun and we sang himns loudly as we walked to our appointments. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I thought it was touching this week to see how some neighborhood kids helped a new member family. They had just come down from Veracruz to make a living, but their new house didn’t have ANYTHING - electricity, water, gas, NADA. We rallied up some ten-year-olds on the same street, and they came ever-so willingly to help us clean the front yard by cutting the grass, collecting stray garbage, and stuffing the yard-waste in trash bags. As a result, we have FOUR different families of references to contact! The Lord blesses us when we work together with our brothers and sisters to "bring to pass much righteousness."<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">We’re working hard to train the Elders and Sisters of the zone. We did a small study of their teaching-skills by inviting recent-converts to pretend to be investigators while we observed with a criteria sheet. Then, we visited their areas to help them based on their needs. Our goal is that each companionship learns to teach like the sons of Mosiah, with "power and authority". <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Pino, of the Area Presidency, is coming down on the 22nd of this month for a special conference. We’re preparing the missionaries to behave like adults so that the wrath of President Reynoso doesn’t descend upon them. We are also responsible for organizing the Christmas program for Playa and Cozumel - Himns, talks, theatre??, piñatas, food, etc. Lots of details to put in order, but it’s gonna be FUN! Anyone who says the mission isn’t fun... hasn’t come down to the Cancún México Mission! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I’m super happy. You guys have inspired me day by day to be better and ACHIEVE MORE. Life is an incredible opportunity that God has given us, and every day should be filled with love and with the Spirit. These two things can exist despite hardships. I hope this week treats you all well. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">----------------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OihWqsJZo98/Wgs06jFcr4I/AAAAAAAABmI/J651kvRWFTARs6GjqJIOkQOh8CfLU7P6wCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-11-13%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BGringo%2BVisitors.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OihWqsJZo98/Wgs06jFcr4I/AAAAAAAABmI/J651kvRWFTARs6GjqJIOkQOh8CfLU7P6wCLcBGAs/s400/2017-11-13%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BGringo%2BVisitors.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">My companion was full of the Spirit when the gringos arrived.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XACFfGu2GBM/Wgs06hflcGI/AAAAAAAABmE/pQMMvbLxSJQk2_WxpFVeNSW084UtLu6-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-11-13%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BInvestigator%2BBday%2BParty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XACFfGu2GBM/Wgs06hflcGI/AAAAAAAABmE/pQMMvbLxSJQk2_WxpFVeNSW084UtLu6-gCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-11-13%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BInvestigator%2BBday%2BParty.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Birthday party with investigator family!! Estas soooolas mañanitas....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q1ySZdsWnQ/Wgs06m-N6CI/AAAAAAAABmM/8cuYVSp8VkwiOzqVidMwwOoV2BJ9AObiACEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-11-13%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BDundies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q1ySZdsWnQ/Wgs06m-N6CI/AAAAAAAABmM/8cuYVSp8VkwiOzqVidMwwOoV2BJ9AObiACEwYBhgL/s400/2017-11-13%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BDundies.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Making trophies for the Zone... dundies​!!</span></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-11139010504518178092017-10-30T10:39:00.003-07:002017-10-30T10:39:37.416-07:00Year 2, Week 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I’m alive!! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">That’s something to be very grateful for. I’m proud to say that I’ve put "calender-watching" behind me, and I’ve come to deeply appreciate every day of my mission. No two days are alike - when we follow the promptings of the Spirit, He guides us to new places and new people who need the light of the Gospel. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I liked this quote from Elder Holland:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opFVxzRZZCw/WfdjQoJU9iI/AAAAAAAABlo/mVCv3qrrWPUrlV01pgcRxeETAifHNaOSQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-10-30%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BHolland%2BQuote.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opFVxzRZZCw/WfdjQoJU9iI/AAAAAAAABlo/mVCv3qrrWPUrlV01pgcRxeETAifHNaOSQCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-10-30%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BHolland%2BQuote.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I feel small, sometimes, when I think of what God and my Mission President expect of me, but I know that by doing everything I can and relying on the Savior, He will transform me and make me capable of the task at hand. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">-----------------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Economic / cultural questions! :D<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><b>Q: How do most people live where you are? Is there much affluence? Poverty?</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">A: There are many people who can’t afford to put their kids in school. That’s the most notable thing for me, because it’s a destructive cycle - without an education, it will be much harder for the kids to put THEIR kids in school, and so on throughout the generations. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">On the other hand, there are plenty of people who obviously have a lot more than I ever did, despite economic differences between America and Mexico. Where I live is like the "California" of Mexico - everyone comes to start their business and find their niche. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><b>Q: How are homes different in Mexico versus Other places you have lived?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">A: I feel "one" with the jungle in my home here. I have four walls, but I don’t feel insulated from nature like I do in the states. Everything is cement, there are cockroaches, and in a flood, the water would easily enter the house and bring garbage/dirt with it. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">BUT if we think in terms of what really makes a home home, things are excellent. The members are loving and the family is everything to them.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><b>Q: Have your "American" views changed in light of living outside of your own culture? <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">A: I have lost my appetite for "things", really. I don’t care much about having a big house or a big lawn anymore - I’ve seen how these people get along, and it makes me realize that humility brings out the best in people. My career will be more focused on what I want to learn and accomplish in the world rather than "making it big". <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><br />Love,<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">Elder Carson</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">--------------------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2ZbzCM0HWA/WfdjdlI94JI/AAAAAAAABlw/_gHLh8w5QqEd_F-Xk3GM4FUm7x3QlIT4ACLcBGAs/s1600/2017-10-30%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BHna%2BAmparo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2ZbzCM0HWA/WfdjdlI94JI/AAAAAAAABlw/_gHLh8w5QqEd_F-Xk3GM4FUm7x3QlIT4ACLcBGAs/s400/2017-10-30%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BHna%2BAmparo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hna. Amparo - she was doubting her baptismal date just one week before, but we had an excellent lesson with the her and the Ward Mission Leader that convinced her.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPbTH17eRXU/Wfdjds-OnlI/AAAAAAAABls/B2zR-xve3K42U3kj--2c3MdFuZZqh_ZZwCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-10-30%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BLil%2BFernando.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPbTH17eRXU/Wfdjds-OnlI/AAAAAAAABls/B2zR-xve3K42U3kj--2c3MdFuZZqh_ZZwCLcBGAs/s400/2017-10-30%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BLil%2BFernando.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lil´ Fernando. The kid´s smarter than I am.</span></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-2844158648355267282017-10-22T15:12:00.002-07:002017-10-22T15:13:31.378-07:00Year 2, Week 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Howdy yall! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Things are gettin WEIRD here! I had begun to think that I was Zone Leader of the Twilight Zone. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: Opposition is real, folks. That’s what I have to say. Allow me to list some strange occurrences that have (coincidentally?) preceded our six-person baptismal service today:</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Some elders saw demons in their house and we had to go rescue the two of them at 1:00am with President’s first councilor (who lives close to us).</li><li>Yesterday morning, other elders woke up to find their house flooded to KNEE LEVEL.... it hardly even rained that day....</li><li>Several elders and sisters suddenly got sick.</li><li>Some loco started calling the sister missionaries and making threats.</li></ul>The adversary works hard to make sure we don’t have success in this work, but I have a testimony that light ALWAYS conquers dark, and that when we stand with God, nothing can stop us from succeeding.<br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">----------------------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">More questions, because that was fun :D<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: What have you learned about Mexican culture that you think is really interesting?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: They don’t shy away from expressing their thoughts. It’s funny (and endearing) when they say things like, "not to brag, but I’m basically the best chef here in this neighborhood," or, "which one of your companions are we talking about, the chubby one or the one who looks like skin and bones?"&nbsp; And nobody gets offended!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: What have you learned to live without?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: Tech. The mission is the best Facebook there is, because we see more faces and read more books than ANYONE :D That, and the mountains. I always used them (and Siri) to help me with my terrible sense of direction.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: How have your social skills developed?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: I’m not afraid of talking to people or expressing an opinion that might not be popular. I ENJOY being social. I’m more direct when something needs to be done. I’ve learned to be more humble and trust the judgment of others (when the situation is appropriate). I embrace the idea of making decisions based on correct principles. I talk openly with President and with my companions about problems. Among other little things. I’m still an awkward turtle with phone calls. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: What does a typical day as a zone leader look like?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: It’s more improv! We do our planning as normal, but then the elders and sisters start calling us and we have to go on splits and do 3 things at once. Lots of technical problems come out of the woodwork (things I talked about above) and we have to communicate a lot of stuff to the assistents and to President. We end the day talking with the District Leaders about the challenges they’re facing and how we can help them, etc. In short: more craziness.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: What&nbsp; do you do for fun or to just relax and destress on a daily basis?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: I bought a giant new journal with blank pages (instead of lines). I’ve been combining my love for doodling with my somewhat-obsessive need to reflect in 4K-clarity the mission experience in a journal, and those 10-15 per day prove critical for my sanity. :) <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Keep sending questions! I love knowing what you want to know!! There are so many things that happen in the field, it’s hard to keep track until someone reminds me!! I love you all and hope you have an excellent 9 days beating the adversary and achieving your goals.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">---------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLeNxCZaOsI/We0V_cTSkXI/AAAAAAAABlI/ypICsRu-c4k0taqyW8qMoMFMnDtJAKd6ACLcBGAs/s1600/2017-10-21%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BLahonti.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLeNxCZaOsI/We0V_cTSkXI/AAAAAAAABlI/ypICsRu-c4k0taqyW8qMoMFMnDtJAKd6ACLcBGAs/s400/2017-10-21%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BLahonti.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npTlq-4fpd4/We0V_fQkFUI/AAAAAAAABlE/u_ubfQNPYroAYlMmk4CdftFIH0aA9EBjgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-10-21%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BBaptism.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npTlq-4fpd4/We0V_fQkFUI/AAAAAAAABlE/u_ubfQNPYroAYlMmk4CdftFIH0aA9EBjgCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-10-21%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BBaptism.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IJAQxn4DWKo/We0V_e2xbII/AAAAAAAABlQ/SU2sur9Um9kx5A2fctVtDotFIiBla0QsACEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-10-21%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BDrew%2BTulum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IJAQxn4DWKo/We0V_e2xbII/AAAAAAAABlQ/SU2sur9Um9kx5A2fctVtDotFIiBla0QsACEwYBhgL/s400/2017-10-21%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BDrew%2BTulum.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86Bkc_5SVJI/We0V_xOyTeI/AAAAAAAABlM/UeGksFsi8KsYzdUzmwkQkEj661-5tZpiQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-10-21%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BSippin%2BCoconut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86Bkc_5SVJI/We0V_xOyTeI/AAAAAAAABlM/UeGksFsi8KsYzdUzmwkQkEj661-5tZpiQCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-10-21%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BSippin%2BCoconut.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xIGREth0ic/We0WAXdGzuI/AAAAAAAABlU/CAaEyL_2gHQndV6M97Q4OCdixbX0mJvOgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-10-21%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BTulum%2BRuins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xIGREth0ic/We0WAXdGzuI/AAAAAAAABlU/CAaEyL_2gHQndV6M97Q4OCdixbX0mJvOgCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-10-21%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BTulum%2BRuins.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWQzwgkBqyI/We0WAjipL8I/AAAAAAAABlY/qmoXN8FW3Sol3xn2ScBqNn5rH7_GubV7wCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-10-21%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BTulum%2BView.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWQzwgkBqyI/We0WAjipL8I/AAAAAAAABlY/qmoXN8FW3Sol3xn2ScBqNn5rH7_GubV7wCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-10-21%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BTulum%2BView.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-46553831170690899372017-10-22T15:12:00.001-07:002017-10-22T15:12:29.953-07:00Year 2, Week 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Hey, Y'all! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This week, I feel like doing something different. I’ve gotten several requests to talk a little bit about daily items - things that compose my life here in the Misión México Cancún. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">So, for some FAQs (which my parents kindly put in a list for me):<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: What do you eat most of the time??<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: MEAT. The members are incredible and save money during the week so that they can give us the best food México has to offer. Some dishes to look up: Pozole Rojo, Tamales, Chile Relleno, Mole Dulce, Chicharrón con Chile Verde, Empanadas con salsa picante. They’re some of my favorites!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: Will you be able to live without Mexican food? <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: No. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: What’s the weather like? <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: It’s always hot and humid, with an occasional breeze (that’s a blessing when it comes). There’s sporadic rain showers on a weekly basis. I got used to it within a month and now it hardly bothers me.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: What are the people like? <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: Angels. Or drunkards. Sometimes both! It’s a very family-oriented, Christian culture here. Lots of people say "God bless you!" when we walk by. We can sit down and start talking with a stranger and he will happily engage in casual conversation with us. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">They’re also very superstitious, which leads to some minor cases of apostasy which we lovingly correct. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: Do you get grumpy? <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: Like all people, yes. But ask a member what Elder Carson looks like and they’ll do a goofy grin (with double thumbs-up). I don’t think a grumpy missionary leaves a good image with the people.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: Do you get to play the piano?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: Sometimes, while we’re waiting for a baptismal service to start, I play a little prelude. But that’s about it! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: How many miles do you walk per day? <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: What’s a "mile"? I think I walk some 15 kilometers per day.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: Do you spend a lot of time in hot, crazy busses? <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: Ha! Yes, but that’s one of the best places to contact because the people have to listen to you for at least 5-10 minutes.... BWAHAHA<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: How much of your time are you spending on exchanges? <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: I try to get to know the investigators of the zone. Depending how many the Elders and Sisters find in a given week, I may spend more or less time out of my area. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Q: Are your experiences making you rethink your work aspirations?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">A: If by that you mean I may open up a small Mexican restaurant to compliment my other work, si. I think I’ve read the scriptures and my patriarchal blessing enough to know that I need to always prioritize my family and my calling in the church. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">What did you think??? If you guys have more questions for me, I would love to answer them! These letters are for YOU, so tell me what you want to hear! :D I love you all. You have wonderful lives and wonderful experiences that you share with me each week. Thank you for uplifting me every Monday. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-49848453935352456442017-10-09T16:27:00.001-07:002017-10-09T16:27:47.793-07:00Week 46 in the field!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">REFLECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: I remember reaching the Saddle on Mt. Timpanogos. As I came to the ridge, the rock face on my right hand side dropped away, and suddenly there was rushing air and a vast landscape to behold. Reaching that point of the mountain, I was rewarded with a fresh perspective of how far I had come and a reinforced vision of where I was going. I still wasn’t done with the climb – the summit lay ahead – but it would be a much shorter path. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">As I reach the midpoint of my mission, it has become ever-clearer to me how the Lord has guided and directed me to reach new heights of achievement, look beyond small failures, and shape my destiny on this earth. I know that He is always by my side to mentor me in my weakness. He is my strength; I need only give what little I have to Him. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The second year will be much shorter, I know, but don’t go thinking that the climb will be over! I’ll search for other challenges, new heights, and thrills of spiritual development. Contrary to popular Mormon media, these will not be the Best Two Years. They’ll be the first. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I invite you all to join me (starting NOW) in making these next 52 weeks the best 52 weeks of your life. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">---------------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]-->Our dear friend Orquidia brought her friend, Amparo, to church!! We set a baptismal date for the 21st of October, and she’s gone to EVERY church activity this week! MEMBER MISSIONARIES RULE!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]-->I’m working with President to schedule a special interview for an investigaor who was involved in illegal drugs and robbing! Woohoo! Fun!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]-->I visited a great family of investigators in one of our areas and felt the Lord’s hand in helping me extend a direct invitation regarding the Law of Chastity. We’re now organizing their baptismal service!!! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]-->I gave a blessing to our favorite Italian, Giorgio, in the hospital! A big chunk of brick fell on his head and caused a lot of blood and stuff.... it was ugly, but he joked with us as if everything were normal. Great guy XD <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]-->We organized a last-minute meeting with the missionaries of our zone, President Reynoso, and the Stake Presidency at the request of the Stake President. it was a little stressful to get everything organized, but it turned out well. :) <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]-->We stayed last night in the house of some elders to help them move to their new house at 6:00am! Fun!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Thanks for everything friends! I love the mission, I love life, and I love YOU ALL!!! I honestly feel incredibly lucky to have the friends I do. You guys have been a net of support in the hard moments, and I appreciate each and every one of your letters. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">---------------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkyNcH8izwY/WdwF5bk63mI/AAAAAAAABks/dzmn356eJNIhT59bcv-m5aRjrhovva5mgCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-10-09%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BGeovana%2BBaptism.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkyNcH8izwY/WdwF5bk63mI/AAAAAAAABks/dzmn356eJNIhT59bcv-m5aRjrhovva5mgCLcBGAs/s400/2017-10-09%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BGeovana%2BBaptism.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Geovana´s baptism. Honestly the most EPIC BAPTISMAL SERVICE EVER!!!</span></div><div><br /></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-26079677418410616362017-10-02T12:52:00.004-07:002017-10-02T12:52:38.754-07:00Weed 45 in the field!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I’m wet!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">That about sums it up.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">JUST KIDDING!!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: I loved ALL the messages from General Conference this week, and I thought it was interesting how Elder Uchtdorf talked about our instinct to return home to our Father in Heaven. Later, Elder Holland said that we should offer our help to EVERYONE who walks the road home, even if they do so "drunkenly". I was reminded of the dogs we see in the street here in Mexico, always frail and abused by the people. Sometimes we’re like that - like Bobby the Wonder-Dog. As we try to take the road home, we will encounter failure and difficulties. But apart from these personal factors, the world will also turn against us. Remember what was said about the World? "Because ye are not of the world, the world hateth you." <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The recurring theme in this General Conference tells me that the time is NOW. We have to accept that from NOW on (if we haven’t started already), we will be different from the world. Not for some hipster-philosophy, but because our values remain CONSTANT while those of the world shift. And we’ll only become more and more different with time. Let’s stand up for our values NOW, while it’s easiest, so that our foundation and testimony remain secure despite the coming storms. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">---------------------------</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Had to resolve a behavior problem with one of our District Leaders. I don’t like repremanding, but it was good to feel the trust of President Reynoso.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We had our Zone Conference! Due to a schedule-shift, President cancelled our part of the teaching (...-_-) but that’s okay, because his part was super edifying!! :D</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>GENERAL CONFERENCE WAS AWESOME. Just want to say that again. I watched in English with the turists.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>GEOVANA GOT BAPTIZED!!! It was the AWESOMEST service we’ve ever done! We coordinated with the whole stake to organize a viewing of "Meet the Mormons" for ALL the investigators of the zone. Immediately following the spirit of the movie, we invited EVERYONE interested to come and see a REAL baptism. The room was PACKED FULL!! Standing room only!! And they sang well, which was a tender mercy :)</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I finished my 8-month long journal! Annnnnd just started a new one that will probably last 500 years unless I can find a creative way to fill space.</li></ul><o:p></o:p><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">That’s all!! Thanks for tuning in. I can’t believe this transfer is half-over!! ...Speaking of half over.... well, tune in next time :D</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I LOVE YOU ALL!! And just because I would extend my mission 6 months doesn’t mean I love you any less XD Things are fantastic (and wet) here in paradise!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">---------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">(My camera literally got robbed while I was writing you guys last week... I have no idea how I didn’t notice, but fortunately I have my photos backed up on another SD card).<o:p></o:p></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-22310863703196771462017-09-25T11:19:00.003-07:002017-09-25T11:29:42.982-07:00Week 44 in the field!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Wow. Deep breaths. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">There’s no way to completely describe the way it feels to be a zone leader. If I weren’t so happy, I would be going nuts!! :D haha. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: The Lord will magnify you. Our job is to be worthy vessels. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I think I must have spent more time on my knees this week than in any other, because there are a lot of things that are not under my control, namely: whether the investigators in our zone decide to show up to church, whether the missionaries decide to be obedient, whether the bishop decides to allow investigators to be confirmed this weekend (with Conference and all). In short, we can’t control other people’s decisions. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">BUT. We are ALWAYS in control of our own actions. The more I chose to be exactly obedient to the mission rules and trust in the Lord, I saw miracles in the zone. There was a couple who barely got married, and the wife decided one day before her baptism not to go through with it. We decided to say a prayer as a zone, and the next day the sister missionaries were able to discern her need, calm her fears, and help her make her first covenant with her Heavenly Father.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I am extremely grateful for that miracle. I feel like it was a test to see whether we would turn to Him. When we did, He was more than happy to help His daughter take that first step towards eternal life. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">-------------------</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Evelyn, our investigator who got in a motorcycle accident and had her leg amputated, passed her baptismal interview! We’re planning her service for this Friday.</li><li>We did exchanges with Puerto Aventuras. Elder Jimenez, my old friend from Haciendas, stayed with me and showed me a few things about my area (because he was here before).</li><li>We found a guy named José Alberto who lived in Chicago for 15 years. He speaks English with a cool accent and accepted a baptismal date!</li></ul><o:p></o:p><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">That’s it for now, friends!! Not much time. :D I love you all and I’m grateful for the love you send me in your letters!!!</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">---------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">(SD card problemss......)<o:p></o:p></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-9429319663422015142017-09-20T10:16:00.003-07:002017-09-20T10:16:17.085-07:00Week 43 in the field!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Hello my friends! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I’ve learned a lot of new things this week, including that being a Zone Leader is (exhaustingly) fun! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: One has to lead from the front of the pack. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Our bishop in Peten Ward, Bishop Mario, is SUPER. (Super Mario.... hehe). It’s no suprise to me that his ward achieves incredible things. Every other Sunday, he sets apart his ENTIRE evening and brings the ENTIRE bishopric to visit member and investigator families with the missionaries. The members of the ward, consequently, are excited to help out with the missionary work and give us lots of referrals!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">It makes sense that the Savior led in the same way. Was his frequently-repeated line not, "Come, follow me"? If we want to lead well, we can’t be pushers - we have to be pullers. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">-------------------</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>E. Tellez is super friendly and helpful!! He does me favors before I even think to ask him! He’s an example to me of service and humility - it would do me well to be more like him.</li><li>We traveled to Cancun for the Leadership Council of September. Good news! Playa is set to be the highest-baptizing zone in the mission! Not for what E. Tellez and I have done, of course (having just arrived), but it was definitely a boost of enthusiasm!!</li><li>We had an INCREDIBLE stake activity to celebrate Mexican Independence Day (VIVA MÉXICO, WOOOO!!) There was a stage, cool lights, a beefy sound system, and a TON of investigators!!!! I didn’t even think to take pictures because I was too busy contacting everyone.&nbsp;</li><li>Exchanges with one of our three district leaders, E. Escorcia. The Lord blessed us to find SIX new families to teach in one day. Honestly one of the coolest days ever.</li><li>We had a great lesson with Erik and Alex, two young adults who are investigating the church. They want to be marine biologists, so we told them about how the young single adults in the ward are doing Scuba classes! They got super excited and agreed to all the committments we extended!! XD</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">There are lots more stories from this week, but I’ll save them for when we see each other face to face. Remember that everyone is meant to be a leader, and we should strive to do so in the Savior’s way. I promise each of you that as you give it your 110% effort, you’ll find that the Lord shows you who you really are and what you can become. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">PS - Lots of love for yall in the States, but I can’t claim loyalty or they’ll hunt me down for being a Trump-supporter! XD VIVA MÉXICO! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">-------------------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BoC21patxMc/WcKh3u4w4UI/AAAAAAAABkc/nkT-zunM1mop0nRcbrLUfQYog62lqAfoQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-09-18%2BChetumal%2BTies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BoC21patxMc/WcKh3u4w4UI/AAAAAAAABkc/nkT-zunM1mop0nRcbrLUfQYog62lqAfoQCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-09-18%2BChetumal%2BTies.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The latest on the tie collection - the majority are new, from companions and friends in the mission. :) The love evolves, people.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBAm4Qun_Dw/WcKh3L44V9I/AAAAAAAABkM/7WUQpXnwcNQ3q8qz0_zxlF_SxjNey0oZQCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-09-18%2BChetumal%2BGoodbye%2BGarcia%2BFamily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBAm4Qun_Dw/WcKh3L44V9I/AAAAAAAABkM/7WUQpXnwcNQ3q8qz0_zxlF_SxjNey0oZQCLcBGAs/s400/2017-09-18%2BChetumal%2BGoodbye%2BGarcia%2BFamily.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Goodbye Garcia family!!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y2JzQPbvDhw/WcKh3Ez6KRI/AAAAAAAABkQ/LGAh_rGUsOAK-CswU1Qcysk2ffwv0YPKQCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-09-18%2BChetumal%2BGoodbye%2BML%2BOscar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y2JzQPbvDhw/WcKh3Ez6KRI/AAAAAAAABkQ/LGAh_rGUsOAK-CswU1Qcysk2ffwv0YPKQCLcBGAs/s400/2017-09-18%2BChetumal%2BGoodbye%2BML%2BOscar.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Goodbye, Mission-Leader Oscar!!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gjpd__442e0/WcKh3FgWl5I/AAAAAAAABkU/MXiTIA_FZWcJ-N7B6izCefcQzCr9cNkdACLcBGAs/s1600/2017-09-18%2BChetumal%2BGoodbye%2BBishop%2BHerrera.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gjpd__442e0/WcKh3FgWl5I/AAAAAAAABkU/MXiTIA_FZWcJ-N7B6izCefcQzCr9cNkdACLcBGAs/s400/2017-09-18%2BChetumal%2BGoodbye%2BBishop%2BHerrera.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Goodbye Bishop Herrera!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8Ur8VqgKVA/WcKh3dXozQI/AAAAAAAABkY/_ElUt6FEhWMZcrUs4pw28Tv7312c6QqnwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-09-18%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BElder%2BTellez.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8Ur8VqgKVA/WcKh3dXozQI/AAAAAAAABkY/_ElUt6FEhWMZcrUs4pw28Tv7312c6QqnwCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-09-18%2BPlaya%2BDel%2BCarmen%2BElder%2BTellez.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Hello Elder Tellez!! Mi chan compita.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-88704344240805171612017-09-20T10:12:00.003-07:002017-09-20T10:16:51.060-07:00Week 42 in the field!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Good day!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I must say, I never thought I would arrive at the answer to life, the universe, and everything, but here I am: week 42 in the field.&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: Specific prayers WORK, yo! This week I had a really intense personal study and was feelin the faith juice, so I ended with a specific prayer. I asked God to help me find a family of FIVE people at 5:00pm who would come to accept the gospel in their lives. To recognize them, I would look for a mom dressed in RED with THREE little kids walking home from school by her side. The father wouldn’t be there in the street with them, but he and the mother would be legally married. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">At 5:00pm ON THE DOT, I scanned the road around us and spotted the family I was looking for. They were a ways off, so I had to drag my (confused) companions half-running on a detour to reach the mother with her three kids. The mother had red jeans on, and the little ones had on their backpacks from school. We gave them the run-down, and they were very friendly. The mom commented that her husband was waiting for them at home. They got married in Guatemala. We gifted them a pamphlet and tried to set a return date, but the mom explained that, because of work, they’re almost never at home. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">It didn’t matter to me, really. I KNOW they will come to know the Gospel in the Lord’s due time, and His time is perfect.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">LECCIÓN DOS: When saying specific prayers to find investigators, the wise elder will think to specify that the investigators accept a visit. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">---------------------</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>ALEJANDRO GOT THE BAPTISMAL DUNK! It was a combined service with the sister-missionaries of Chetumal, and it went very well. Alejandro was a little nervous beforehand, but after the ordinance, he was beaming.</li><li>I went on splits with Hno. Cortéz to cover appointments somewhat far away from the house. We arrived comfortably in his car and set a baptismal date for a young pregnant girl named Marla who’s finalizing her plans to get married. At age 15. Wow.</li><li>Our district leaders bought us pizza because we reached our goal for baptisms this transfer! That’s good leadership.</li><li>I got a free haircut and.... well, the dude almost cut my head off with the little razor. You get what you pay for, I suppose.</li><li>WE GOT THE TRANSFER NEWS! I’m going to Playa del Carmen as a Zone Leader! The area is called Puerto Aventuras - "Adventure Port". I’m certain that plenty of adventures await me there and that they’ll be good ones.</li><li>We bought a tub of Oreo ice-cream between the three of us. Worth every peso.</li></ul><div class="MsoNoSpacing">That’s it for now. This was a short week. As always, the first week of the transfer will be WITHOUT PDay, so I’ll be writing you all in nine days! It’ll be a good-un with an extra 48-hours of adventure. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Keep the idea of specific prayers in mind. Prayer is like a harmonica - it seems a little useless until you dedicate the time and effort into learning how to use it. LEARN HOW TO PRAY, YALL, and it’ll be the greatest source of blessings in your day-to-day life. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">-------------------------</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo3fXN5pT9c/WcKhILwiIrI/AAAAAAAABkE/cbUD1DODpc8wIWTBH9b5sWnsB8LDb1HUACLcBGAs/s1600/2017-09-09%2BChetumal%2BPacking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo3fXN5pT9c/WcKhILwiIrI/AAAAAAAABkE/cbUD1DODpc8wIWTBH9b5sWnsB8LDb1HUACLcBGAs/s400/2017-09-09%2BChetumal%2BPacking.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Squad selfie while packing up the house. All three of us are getting transferred!! (PS - Military hair-cut feels good in the heat).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ObBCqteeOfk/WcKhHoKLfRI/AAAAAAAABj4/cI6Cpg3fHxIvReENEUD3NHsUuE6dz7QJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-09-09%2BChetumal%2BCombined%2BBaptisms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ObBCqteeOfk/WcKhHoKLfRI/AAAAAAAABj4/cI6Cpg3fHxIvReENEUD3NHsUuE6dz7QJwCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-09-09%2BChetumal%2BCombined%2BBaptisms.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Combined baptisms, combined POWER!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Plv3wabkZck/WcKhH_rT9AI/AAAAAAAABkA/TMh36_Jq7F4jteAqroNJk_ULQtiofSLbgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-09-09%2BChetumal%2BAlejandro%2BBaptism.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Plv3wabkZck/WcKhH_rT9AI/AAAAAAAABkA/TMh36_Jq7F4jteAqroNJk_ULQtiofSLbgCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-09-09%2BChetumal%2BAlejandro%2BBaptism.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The little one just after being spiritually cleansed.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfhTzV-EpMQ/WcKhHibUpUI/AAAAAAAABj8/wg69U24k1sU4nb_COX-j2eVbdYDscEhugCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-09-09%2BChetumal%2BChan-Distrito.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfhTzV-EpMQ/WcKhHibUpUI/AAAAAAAABj8/wg69U24k1sU4nb_COX-j2eVbdYDscEhugCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-09-09%2BChetumal%2BChan-Distrito.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Chan-Distrito. We´re a happy family.</span></div><o:p></o:p></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-55139472031039512722017-09-20T10:08:00.000-07:002017-09-20T10:08:13.426-07:00Week 41 in the field!!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">My dear friends and aquaintences (spelling?)&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">As you have likely noticed, I’m forgetting English. It’s a fact. But I’ll be sure to serenade you all in South/Central America’s love-language when I get back!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">LECCIÒN DE LA SEMANA: The Lord gives more to good stewards!!!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This week, I was testing a theory: to find success, you’ve got to prove your stuff. Often, the Spirit prompts me to talk to people in the street who aren’t at all interested in our message. Does that mean it wasn’t the Spirit? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">NO!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Why? Two reasons: (1) We’re planting a seedling in that person, and (2) the Lord’s preparing us for the guy across the street. The second guy you talk to is going to be MORE AWESOME than the first. And the third more than the second, as long as we take courage each time the Spirit prompts us. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">On exchanges with Elder Vera, I was following a "chain" of people in this manner when a taxi suddenly stopped on the side of the road. I went to talk to the guy, and said, "hello, good sir, what’s your name?"<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">"What do I look like?" he asked, making me guess. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I thought he was joking, so in the same tone, I said, "your name is Jorge, and you want to hear about the Gospel, right?"<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The dude looked surprised and let us into the taxi. He introduced himself as Jorge Campos (yes!), and proceeded to tell us that he’s having family troubles and has been looking for a church. He also told us that his son is Mormon, and that it seems like a good option to him. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The Spirit will never misguide you. Trust Him, and you’ll find the success you’re looking for. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">------------------&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>NEXT PDAY WILL BE ON SATURDAY, QUERIDOS :)&nbsp;</li><li>Celebrated E. Tello’s birthday in Burger King. He’s addicted to the chocolate milkshakes.</li><li>We had a FANTASTIC Family Home Evening with Dr. Toledo, our new Elders Quorum President, and he treated us to an american classic of burgers and fries afterwards. A noble man, surely. We committed his inactive son to go to church.</li><li>OSVALDO GOT BAPTIZED! And the program was LEGIT. The primary president pitched in and made a program where the KIDS gave talks/did the music/prayers/EVERYTHING. Honestly one of the best things I’ve seen. I think the ward mission plan we pitched has helped a lot - the ward leaders are super excited to help us now :D</li><li>On Saturday, we started a special fast with the whole zone to help us achieve our goals. It was great to see a new sense of unity on the face of each missionary. Fantastic idea from E. Mun.</li><li>We visited the ruins of Ox-Tan-Kah today!! What an incredible experience! Honestly, these are some of the smaller ruins in this mission, but I was blown away by the mystical ambience that was felt on the grounds. Like walking through the remains of a fairy-tale.</li><li>THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE MAKING OF THE PACKAGE I GOT. EVERYTHING WAS WELL-APPRECIATED BY ME AND MY COMPANIONS. :D</li></ul><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Loves to you all! Until Saturday! Follow the Spirit and be really happy!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">----------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FXFSgkmoM2g/WcKfzBzzfWI/AAAAAAAABjg/FrrfMrrCZSs76_US9Qf7S3-NJrRw2ck3gCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-09-04%2BChetumal%2BOsvaldo%2Bthe%2BChamp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FXFSgkmoM2g/WcKfzBzzfWI/AAAAAAAABjg/FrrfMrrCZSs76_US9Qf7S3-NJrRw2ck3gCLcBGAs/s400/2017-09-04%2BChetumal%2BOsvaldo%2Bthe%2BChamp.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">OSVALDO THE CHAMP! He gave a great testimony at the end of the service about the Gospel and the temperature of the water.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imbLV0NBnfE/WcKfzI29opI/AAAAAAAABjc/MKE87iHJEwwDBK5VD39fUd1VkHFL0U3dACLcBGAs/s1600/2017-09-04%2BChetumal%2BOxTanKah%2BChapel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imbLV0NBnfE/WcKfzI29opI/AAAAAAAABjc/MKE87iHJEwwDBK5VD39fUd1VkHFL0U3dACLcBGAs/s400/2017-09-04%2BChetumal%2BOxTanKah%2BChapel.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 16px;">A spanish chapel (built many years after all the other structures in OxTanKah).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJKxKTypgUw/WcKfzAHKNGI/AAAAAAAABjY/RkbvZmAmkXEO8bxh95N7vQ4t5dhHFINmgCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-09-04%2BChetumal%2BOxTanKah%2BHno%2BCortez.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJKxKTypgUw/WcKfzAHKNGI/AAAAAAAABjY/RkbvZmAmkXEO8bxh95N7vQ4t5dhHFINmgCLcBGAs/s400/2017-09-04%2BChetumal%2BOxTanKah%2BHno%2BCortez.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Our dear friend Hno. Cortèz (the optimistic guy I told you about)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVa59iVlsjQ/WcKfzicnx6I/AAAAAAAABjk/7uwrY5KdR5Ej-iHKMgjc9skuFuO7GpmwQCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-09-04%2BChetumal%2BOxTanKah%2BPit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVa59iVlsjQ/WcKfzicnx6I/AAAAAAAABjk/7uwrY5KdR5Ej-iHKMgjc9skuFuO7GpmwQCLcBGAs/s400/2017-09-04%2BChetumal%2BOxTanKah%2BPit.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Elder TombRaider</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2eYE4yuuFQ/WcKfzjYPI2I/AAAAAAAABjo/biIdLMTyffAEo2ZTz2n045yQTQcbStllACLcBGAs/s1600/2017-09-04%2BChetumal%2BOxTanKah%2BStaircase.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2eYE4yuuFQ/WcKfzjYPI2I/AAAAAAAABjo/biIdLMTyffAEo2ZTz2n045yQTQcbStllACLcBGAs/s400/2017-09-04%2BChetumal%2BOxTanKah%2BStaircase.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">"ARREPENTIOS, OH VOSOTROS, EXTREMOS DE LA TIERRA"</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Jf3tqSdVUM/WcKfzk0o8OI/AAAAAAAABjs/bx-GZ--aj2cupb6LFBX3RFVs7dADaYajgCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-09-04%2BChetumal%2BToledo%2BFamily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Jf3tqSdVUM/WcKfzk0o8OI/AAAAAAAABjs/bx-GZ--aj2cupb6LFBX3RFVs7dADaYajgCLcBGAs/s400/2017-09-04%2BChetumal%2BToledo%2BFamily.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Toledo family - excellent in ALL aspects, but the big man`s got a firm hand for injections. (PS they don`t inject you in the arm here).</span></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-56860302057683508932017-08-29T12:46:00.000-07:002017-08-29T12:49:21.383-07:00Week 40 in the field!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">WOW! That’s 40, everybody. It’s weird living in a time-machine.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: Baby-feeding is toxic in positions of leadership. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">When I arrived to this ward, I noticed a lot of negative feelings that the members had towards their church leadership. They complained that the bishop didn’t do ANYTHING! I even began to believe some of the rumors because they were so prevalent.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This week, I got a little insight into the bishop’s perspective, and it’s actually brilliant. He doesn’t want to do what the auxiliary leaders can do because they need the experience to become more independent. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">We held a Talent Show this week, and I was able to see how well the bishop’s theory worked. He deliberately stepped out of the picture, and when the members began to notice the problems ("nobody set up chairs!", "we need a speaker to play music!", etc) THEY began to take initiative and fill in the gaps. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The show was a little rusty, but I count it as a SUCCESS, because I’m absolutely sure that the members learned a valuable lesson from the experience. There’s no doubt in my mind that the next activity will be much slicker, and that these leaders will be more prepared to take part in the work. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">------------------------</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We had a great Family Home Evening where we played a Plan of Salvation board game! I have some pretty creative companions!!</li><li>Our Zone Conference went well. My companions and I thought of a series of practices that we did with all the missionaries. President was impressed by the presentation we gave, so I count it as a win. :D</li><li>I gave Alejandro, our young investigator, homework - he was supposed to read the first chapter of first Nephi (but only the "small" verses because the big ones scare him). When we arrived, he had conquered the fear and read ALL of first Nephi!!! What a stud!!</li><li>We gave a training to all of the Primary Presidencies of the stake. It was a lot of fun. We tried to incorporate dynamic experiences so that the Presidents and their counselors would catch the "mission-fever" and get excited about the work. With that training, they’re going to do an activity with the kids, teaching them how to be missionaries and giving them the chance to share their knowledge and testimony with REAL investigators!!!</li><li>We did a service project for one one mother that was one the verge of giving her son permission to get baptized. We cleaned her yard and moved a giant cement water-tank into a hole in the ground. At the end of it all, she gave us empanadas (mega-yum) and signed the paperwork, giving her approval!</li></ul><o:p></o:p><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Thanks for tuning in, friends! I hope you all have a wonderful week. I want to let you all know that I know this Gospel is true. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true church upon the earth, and it is only through her founder, Jesus Christ himself, that we can come to live with God and our families in the next life. May we all be valiant in the faith.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Hugs, <o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">----------------------------</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zsxlr3wxDo0/WaXD3ZO4mqI/AAAAAAAABiw/2A-nIx2zxDofhOpjRpo98xEJ7jW9Z9LOgCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-08-29%2BChetumal%2BBishopric.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zsxlr3wxDo0/WaXD3ZO4mqI/AAAAAAAABiw/2A-nIx2zxDofhOpjRpo98xEJ7jW9Z9LOgCLcBGAs/s400/2017-08-29%2BChetumal%2BBishopric.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">COOL TOYS :D</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnjmgX93DlI/WaXD3fJgUHI/AAAAAAAABio/u0_xwhngbsEN527uEkIP3OpB8-secXATwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-08-29%2BChetumal%2BIron%2BMan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnjmgX93DlI/WaXD3fJgUHI/AAAAAAAABio/u0_xwhngbsEN527uEkIP3OpB8-secXATwCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-08-29%2BChetumal%2BIron%2BMan.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">COOL TOYS :D</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6hPlLuuDU8/WaXD32_zGEI/AAAAAAAABi8/HYWLjXCCyV0p4peac5P6xGpwgSJIIwHEQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-08-29%2BChetumal%2BZone%2BSerious.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6hPlLuuDU8/WaXD32_zGEI/AAAAAAAABi8/HYWLjXCCyV0p4peac5P6xGpwgSJIIwHEQCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-08-29%2BChetumal%2BZone%2BSerious.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our zone! (Serious edition)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fl2Flbk6mmE/WaXFNnaeJAI/AAAAAAAABjI/2AifLk18CpUR5r-8V2xssRs5euhPmPfHACLcBGAs/s1600/2017-08-29%2BChetumal%2BZone%2BFunny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fl2Flbk6mmE/WaXFNnaeJAI/AAAAAAAABjI/2AifLk18CpUR5r-8V2xssRs5euhPmPfHACLcBGAs/s400/2017-08-29%2BChetumal%2BZone%2BFunny.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Our zone! (too-real edition).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-zgnU_8T2k/WaXD3cmnk5I/AAAAAAAABis/0faaJ3fVNiYnTBnOm9SCKKaBVlAHQ5grwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-08-29%2BChetumal%2BJedi%2BMaster.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-zgnU_8T2k/WaXD3cmnk5I/AAAAAAAABis/0faaJ3fVNiYnTBnOm9SCKKaBVlAHQ5grwCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-08-29%2BChetumal%2BJedi%2BMaster.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We go forth in pairs, combatting evil with light and an invisible force. Would it be too much to say that we´re Jedi?? (I stole the sword from the last sith I slayed).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3hw2QK3Zsn4/WaXD3q1UiBI/AAAAAAAABi0/6PEcpckoVisF_wCSmozroLDJ-8Y5edYKACEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-08-29%2BChetumal%2BMartinellis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3hw2QK3Zsn4/WaXD3q1UiBI/AAAAAAAABi0/6PEcpckoVisF_wCSmozroLDJ-8Y5edYKACEwYBhgL/s400/2017-08-29%2BChetumal%2BMartinellis.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Sun-burnt</span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">&nbsp;but happy!</span></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-31814981089567373162017-08-22T09:26:00.004-07:002017-08-22T09:26:38.195-07:00Week 39 in the field!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal">What a wonderful, stormy day!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We’re entering September now, and that’s rainy season on this side of the Yucatan peninsula. Things are great, actually - I enjoy the chance to (literally) cool down.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: There’s no time in this life for negativity!! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I went on splits with an old dude (Hno. Cortéz) on the high council assigned to missionary work in Bacalar. It was a LOT of fun, and I think it was because the guy didn’t speak ONE WORD of negativity the whole time. Personally, I didn’t even realize how optimistic a person can be until that moment. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Lots of people his age don’t leave the house or spend all day sleeping, but because of his attitude, he’s been able to fill his time with productive things. He’s taking cooking classes, getting licensed to open a barber shop, and always putting God (and his calling) first! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know about you guys, but I would would like to be so happy when I get old. :D <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">-----------------</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We did LOTS of splits with the elders of Chetumal this week! On one of my favorites, we caught the (rebellious) son of a desperate mother in JUST the right moment to start teaching him, and the message of the Atonement really struck him. THE (big, tough, tattoed) DUDE CRIED. It was a very spiritual moment. Cool stuff.</li><li>Some baptismal dates fell through in our area and in the zone - we’re working on a training for the zone about how to retain those investigators better.</li><li>We ate in the house of some... very well-off members, and their son wanted VERY BADLY to show us his toys. He would fit perfectly in Comic-Con, to put it shortly.</li></ul><o:p></o:p><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m gonna cut it short for now because time’s a little thin! I love you all and hope that, with the start of the semester, you’re all working hard and doing your homework. Whether it’s that, your career, or your family, remember to ALWAYS keep a positive attitude!!! The Lord blesses those who refrain from murmuring!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Love, <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">-----------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">(Next time, I’ll show you the photo of that kid’s insane Kylo Ren lightsaber... :DDD)</div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-78519231596693994492017-08-22T09:26:00.003-07:002017-08-22T09:26:30.512-07:00Week 37 AND 38 in the field!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal">WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT!&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And by that I mean, we didn’t get ANYTHING of the hurricane! I was all ready to see some lightning and thunder and wind and stuff, but all that came was LIGHT RAIN!&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh well. I didn’t come here to be in an action movie. ;D&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">LECCIÒN DE LA(S) SEMANA(S): Fill your life with the word of God!!! The assistants came to live with us for about four days this past week, and with five people in the house (as you can imagine) it was somewhat easy to get distracted talking and telling stories. I soon found that we were losing too much time, and I felt bad about it, so I made a commitment with God to fill the little gaps of time reading the Book of Mormon. WHAT A DIFFERENCE I SAW! I was more prepared in our lessons, I set baptismal dates, got references, and (quite possibly) made a really good impression on our leaders!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can bear my personal testimony that the impact of a consistent study of the Book of Mormon goes far beyond the letters on the page. It provides us with knowledge, teaches us wisdom, and fills us with the light of Christ.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">-----------------</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I got new companions! Elder Mun is on the downhill (he leaves in October) but he continues being a great example of hard work and dedication. He’s from Oaxaca, Mexico. Elder Tello (that’s right, we’re in a trio), is from Argentina, and is a great teacher of the Gospel. He’s got a way of accomplishing everything he says he will, and I admire him for it.&nbsp;</li><li>The Leadership Council was postponed two days (for the storm that never came), so we had to cancel a bunch of appointments to make way for the travel. the good part is that Elder Tello was able to stay behind with other missionaries and cover the majority of the appointments.&nbsp;</li><li>Elder CarLson went home with honor! And he left me a tie in the offices, which was cool.&nbsp;</li><li>We had a lunch appointment with our bishop, in which I learned that he’s a network programmer with experience in Space Agency systems!!! Anyone who knows me could guess that (after fanboy-ing a little) I took notes of his information so that later on we can talk space. :D&nbsp;</li><li>I did another baptismal interview for an investigator of some sister missionaries in our zone! It was my second time. She was super prepared, so there were no complications. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to attend the service, but I felt happy for their success anyway!</li><li>We set a baptismal date with Juan, the brother of one of our former investigators. Previously, he hadn’t wanted to listen to us, but he went to his aunt’s house on Sunday, all dressed up, and told her, "I want to go to church. Will you bring me??" Turns out he’s a great (and smart) kid. He understood everything from our first lesson without problems!</li><li>I TURNED 10 MONTHS OLD IN THE MISSION :D&nbsp;</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Well, that’s all for now. Over these last two weeks, there were plenty of things to talk about, but y’all know the drill - give me 14 months and we’ll have a nice conversation around the fire with a cup o’ chocolate.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I invite all of you to participate with me in reading the Book of Mormon in your spare moments. Carry it around in your backpack. Have the strength of the Lord with you always. I promise you that you’ll find a greater and more meaningful happiness in your life.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Love,&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">-------------------<o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5pi5Bb0Xg-0/WZxae0k-nsI/AAAAAAAABiI/v9tKaCQi6MAyal1fQrctyOedN3VwvPY-QCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-08-14%2BChetumal%2BEsau%2Bthe%2BChamp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5pi5Bb0Xg-0/WZxae0k-nsI/AAAAAAAABiI/v9tKaCQi6MAyal1fQrctyOedN3VwvPY-QCLcBGAs/s400/2017-08-14%2BChetumal%2BEsau%2Bthe%2BChamp.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">His name is Esau. He`s a champ.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeuW2aYqn_Y/WZxaegDsr6I/AAAAAAAABiE/x0F-GpUkw4MaDHZSldaCdC8GKJOGGEt4wCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-08-14%2BChetumal%2BBurger%2BKing%2BSplurge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeuW2aYqn_Y/WZxaegDsr6I/AAAAAAAABiE/x0F-GpUkw4MaDHZSldaCdC8GKJOGGEt4wCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-08-14%2BChetumal%2BBurger%2BKing%2BSplurge.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I was gonna take a picture of our Burger King splurge, but I ate everything too fast... O.o</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGoVCCh2wEE/WZxaeoSbluI/AAAAAAAABiA/lKRlbtxG7NIEBd6Lm9rji9Qqn0UNSgqDQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-08-14%2BChetumal%2BElder%2BCarlson%2BTie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGoVCCh2wEE/WZxaeoSbluI/AAAAAAAABiA/lKRlbtxG7NIEBd6Lm9rji9Qqn0UNSgqDQCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-08-14%2BChetumal%2BElder%2BCarlson%2BTie.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">A thoughtful gift from the former assistent (and name-twin).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ojmaM_rMgw/WZxaoF9SGbI/AAAAAAAABiY/xVnUd7_bEJwC8eC1npY5kDhVPduYIZ4FACEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-08-14%2BChetumal%2BElder%2BChamberlain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ojmaM_rMgw/WZxaoF9SGbI/AAAAAAAABiY/xVnUd7_bEJwC8eC1npY5kDhVPduYIZ4FACEwYBhgL/s400/2017-08-14%2BChetumal%2BElder%2BChamberlain.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Saying goodbye to my bruddah from a different muddah!! He`s off to Cozumel to enjoy the beach ;D</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVp4NJ_U57k/WZxafRrvO_I/AAAAAAAABiU/YuVoAbiFPx4QoDeKGcrbw0R3Rqx_UTEXQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-08-14%2BChetumal%2BYuri%2BBaptism.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVp4NJ_U57k/WZxafRrvO_I/AAAAAAAABiU/YuVoAbiFPx4QoDeKGcrbw0R3Rqx_UTEXQCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-08-14%2BChetumal%2BYuri%2BBaptism.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Yuri got baptized!! :D Elder Mun is the one who looks Korean, E. Tello is the other.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0AshaecoQA/WZxafIGvykI/AAAAAAAABiQ/qaGKhyhJTvs6wOlhCIAYOmL90k-yUS4ugCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-08-14%2BChetumal%2BOur%2BBuddy%2BJahir.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0AshaecoQA/WZxafIGvykI/AAAAAAAABiQ/qaGKhyhJTvs6wOlhCIAYOmL90k-yUS4ugCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-08-14%2BChetumal%2BOur%2BBuddy%2BJahir.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Our buddy Jahir. He just needs to get married, yo.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C09a1iD2-fw/WZxafE_uzZI/AAAAAAAABiM/GUbUo8cJxao1p5SEnwiyIIcRwH86d-fxgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-08-14%2BChetumal%2BHairy%2BFruit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C09a1iD2-fw/WZxafE_uzZI/AAAAAAAABiM/GUbUo8cJxao1p5SEnwiyIIcRwH86d-fxgCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-08-14%2BChetumal%2BHairy%2BFruit.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It`s a grape-like fruit with a shell that looks </span>weird<span style="font-size: 12pt;">.</span></span></div></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-1144199415893836752017-08-06T07:07:00.003-07:002017-08-06T07:07:56.530-07:00Week 36 in the field!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Happy Saturday everybody!!! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Yeah, yeah, I forgot to remind y’all about the special PDay again. But it’s okay - the time’s passing so quickly that I don’t even notice it anymore. It’ll be next Monday in about half an hour.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">LECCIÒN DE LA SEMANA: It’s always better to love than to judge. We had our interviews with President this week in the church building, and as Zone Leaders, E. Sanchez and I directed the proceedings. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">One missionary, who has been causing problems in the zone, returned to the chapel after his interview in tears. I knew in that moment that he was being sent home. There were many thoughts that came to mind - what did he do? - but I felt the need to be a friend instead of a shamer, so I went to sit by him in the back pew and talk things over. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">For a moment, I felt like my eyes were opened, and I saw the Elder from a different perspective. No longer was he a "headache to deal with" or a "danger to our success" - he was just a kid feeling like a failure. One of God’s own children who had just received a tough wake-up call. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">We talked, and I felt like we ended up as friends. He thanked me for helping him out, and I made him promise to be more active in the church than he was before. He promised. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">When people have tough times with failure, we, as their friends, have a great opportunity to love and teach. If we waste that opportunity spreading rumors or simply letting bad thoughts stew inside of you, we’ll miss out on lots of sweet moments. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">------------------------------</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>President told me about EVERYBODY’s transfers in my interview. It was interesting to get to know his thought-process behind it all. He told me that E. Sanchez will be leaving and that I’ll be receiving E. Mun, my Korean-looking zone-leader from Palmas! :D He challenged me to learn as much as possible from the guy (becuase he’s a super-elder) and that he expects lots of success from our zone.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>There was an EFY program in our stake this week, and the ward secretaries were all asking us for 50 Restoration pamphlets each. LIKE WHAT? It was a fun Tuesday - we had to run around searching for materials in every corner of the zone. I consider it a good investment - the young-uns are going to be sharing the materials with their non-member friends to generate referrals as part of the week-long camp.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>READ "BUILDING BLOCKS OF CREATION" by Elder Skausen! Read it!</li></ul><div class="MsoNoSpacing"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The president of the Relief Society gifted me the ingredients to make a lime-cookie-cake! That was a fun little project. Delicious, if you haven’t tried lime-cookie-cake.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We had a grand shopping spree on Wednesday to get the food for our Zone Conference! We had planned to buy 72 DELICIOUS tamales (thereby funding the business of a sister in our ward) but she had to cancel because she couldn’t find the banana-leaves to wrap them. So: HAM AND CHEESE, YO!</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Zone Conference was great! E. Sanchez and I had the assigned topic of "Just Get Them Excited About Baptizing", so we whipped out our scriptures and testified!! I shared a story that got Hna. Reynoso to tears (which I secretly take pride for), and the Sister Trainers repremanded everyone for being disobedient. Overall, I think President got a great impression. He was laughing about it in the car-ride home.</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Thanks for tuning in, everybody! There should be lots of great stories next time! Be sure to check out the pics below from our trip to the zoo, hit that "like" button and be sure to subscribble! Oh, and the most important part - LOVE, DON’T JUDGE. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">With love (not judgment), <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">---------------------</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CcFxYZJBKTM/WYchql_sv_I/AAAAAAAABhc/SwmmFILNTEYsgLhTp5EQJPUApTn4WT4-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-29%2BChetumal%2BDrew%2B%2526%2BLeopard%2BStatue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CcFxYZJBKTM/WYchql_sv_I/AAAAAAAABhc/SwmmFILNTEYsgLhTp5EQJPUApTn4WT4-gCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-29%2BChetumal%2BDrew%2B%2526%2BLeopard%2BStatue.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ferocious</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUU_cKEg6oE/WYchrXXfrgI/AAAAAAAABhs/xhhjEIggZx05uwuNiAPzjqZoH8-TdCK-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-29%2BChetumal%2BApe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oUU_cKEg6oE/WYchrXXfrgI/AAAAAAAABhs/xhhjEIggZx05uwuNiAPzjqZoH8-TdCK-gCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-29%2BChetumal%2BApe.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">"who dat white guy?"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JmyrgBwCc9A/WYchqyOImXI/AAAAAAAABhk/E51NkLq2sykqTQWiR9_ri0ZgJPkfLgMlgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-29%2BChetumal%2BLeopard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JmyrgBwCc9A/WYchqyOImXI/AAAAAAAABhk/E51NkLq2sykqTQWiR9_ri0ZgJPkfLgMlgCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-29%2BChetumal%2BLeopard.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">"Do you have time for a message about Jesus - "&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">"RAAAAAAAWWWWWRR!"&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">"... okay, have a nice day!"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-IHWg0ySVU/WYchqKfxs9I/AAAAAAAABhw/i43kgBn_mUQ-saMziXIkAlVnuSUcCfaUACEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-29%2BChetumal%2BCroc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-IHWg0ySVU/WYchqKfxs9I/AAAAAAAABhw/i43kgBn_mUQ-saMziXIkAlVnuSUcCfaUACEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-29%2BChetumal%2BCroc.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">"Maybe if I keep REAALLY still, the Mormons won`t see me..."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBo0nkhOtuM/WYchqLR6kqI/AAAAAAAABhw/hhLyZhcbNaALj9ZL9iuFf2sgh3sW9Fm5gCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-29%2BChetumal%2BCamel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBo0nkhOtuM/WYchqLR6kqI/AAAAAAAABhw/hhLyZhcbNaALj9ZL9iuFf2sgh3sW9Fm5gCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-29%2BChetumal%2BCamel.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">*drunk guy in the street* "heeeeey, come teach me, man!!"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HjlS4t2HF3w/WYchqkgutCI/AAAAAAAABhw/RZTcljfHIiUbKL1HFZ-D04IruSeREu53wCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-29%2BChetumal%2BHam%2BSandwiches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HjlS4t2HF3w/WYchqkgutCI/AAAAAAAABhw/RZTcljfHIiUbKL1HFZ-D04IruSeREu53wCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-29%2BChetumal%2BHam%2BSandwiches.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Santa Clause delivering 56 ham and cheese sandwiches.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNnWoGvO-Q0/WYchrWXFTCI/AAAAAAAABhw/C54Ovv8x7Jsu6-YMnvbXgCTQ6e96-U-9wCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-29%2BChetumal%2BLime%2BCookie%2BPie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNnWoGvO-Q0/WYchrWXFTCI/AAAAAAAABhw/C54Ovv8x7Jsu6-YMnvbXgCTQ6e96-U-9wCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-29%2BChetumal%2BLime%2BCookie%2BPie.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Lime-cookie-pie</span></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-80220229634889047252017-07-28T13:48:00.002-07:002017-07-28T13:48:39.963-07:00Week 35 in the field!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">HEY FRIENDS!!&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">It was a week of miracles! I’m so excited to tell y’all about it! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: We’ve got to go to God for our answers, folks. After sending the last email, my companion and I went to buy some groceries in the supermarket near our house. A priest came up to me and started talking at me in English. He said lots of things, comparing Mormonism to Islam and citing his extensive (YouTube) studies on the subject, including one video named "The Book of Mormon vs. the Bible". Sigh. I came about THIS close to giving Bible-bashing a whirl, but the Spirit told me not to. Instead, I told him that we can’t rely on the opinions of men to give us divine guidance. We have to go to the source. I gave him a Restoration pamphlet to read and invited him to pray about it. He thanked me and went away without another word. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The truth is, friends, Bible-bashing doesn’t work. It creates a contentious atmosphere, and both parties get lost in the complexity and interpretation of Biblical passages. By nature, apostate religions rely on concrete evidences, professional opinions, historical studies, and even voting to back up their claims, but the truth will always be the same: "if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God." <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">------------------------------------</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We set a baptismal date with a teen named Santiago! He seems committed, but we’ll have to see if he follows through with his homework</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We found a small family to teach! Initially, the mom rejected us, saying that she attends a different church, but we asked her, "would you like to know why we say our church is THE true church?" and she said, "well... sure!" So we sat down and taught her the Restoration. Turns out, she’s a former investigator of the sister missionaries. The Spirit hit us like an ocean wave as we recounted the story of Joseph Smith. She told us, "wow... I feel like this is a call to action from God, himself!" YESSSSSS!</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>That same day, we found another former investigator who’s missing a leg. His name is Carlos. He invited us in and we taught him the first lesson. He had a TON of questions, but we tried to be patient and explain everything well. At the end of it all, he looked at us and said, "well, then, when do I get baptized?" WHAT?? "Why, good sir, that is PRECISELY the question we were hoping you would ask!"</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The assistants stayed two nights in our house! It was cool - they’ve grown a ton in spiritual power these last two years, and they helped several missionaries in our zone set baptismal dates. They talked a lot about home, which was rude ( XP ) haha but we enjoyed their company. They’re going home in a week.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Maleny called us to tell us the news: that she planned to get baptized on Sunday!! :D We yelped for joy and made hurried plans to go to Bacalar on Saturday and have her interview. As it turns out, due to complications in travel, President authorized me to give the interview to my own investigator (that’s weird), so I did! My first interview! :D</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>SHE GOT BAPTIZED, YO!! It was a great service, 8:30 am on Sunday. She got confirmed in Sacrament Meeting about ten minutes after the service ended. After her confirmation, she bore her testimony to the WHOLE CONGREGATION - sweet, simple, and doctrinal! I was so proud :D</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">That will be all for this week, my beloveds. Lots of great experiences here in Mexico - hope you all enjoy the next seven days in what everyone here calls "Trump-landia". :) Remember to search the scriptures and pray for guidance when you need answers that the world cannot provide. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Love you all, <o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">-------------------------------</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv5shim2jaU/WXuhCWrxB6I/AAAAAAAABgQ/fHB7TzNAOt4ovKtqSouRSxDGbn-VcDTSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-24%2BChetumal%2BMaleny%2BFamily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv5shim2jaU/WXuhCWrxB6I/AAAAAAAABgQ/fHB7TzNAOt4ovKtqSouRSxDGbn-VcDTSwCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-24%2BChetumal%2BMaleny%2BFamily.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 16px;">MALENY AND HER FAMILY :DDD</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgKJYAfFcxs/WXuhBtvTfZI/AAAAAAAABgI/pjvIrxEkySYtqiM93UDenw1jRBHlPvxywCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-24%2BChetumal%2BBacalar%2BSign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgKJYAfFcxs/WXuhBtvTfZI/AAAAAAAABgI/pjvIrxEkySYtqiM93UDenw1jRBHlPvxywCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-24%2BChetumal%2BBacalar%2BSign.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Again with the Bacalar sign. Super pretty place to wait for a taxi.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M7ZArJfDszQ/WXuhBhZKWWI/AAAAAAAABgE/V9SBmOhLqFUeSlaZ-GJbTCXaBeN4O8WyACEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-24%2BChetumal%2BDragonfruit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M7ZArJfDszQ/WXuhBhZKWWI/AAAAAAAABgE/V9SBmOhLqFUeSlaZ-GJbTCXaBeN4O8WyACEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-24%2BChetumal%2BDragonfruit.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It´s our obsession, the </span>dragon fruit<span style="font-size: 12pt;">. In the background is Santiago, the kid we´re teaching. He´s legit.</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejSj34qrS_Q/WXuhBjvkpoI/AAAAAAAABgM/w64LRhGIIvo2NcDHtrL7_1Cb-jKR3iGzwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-24%2BChetumal%2BElder%2BCarlson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejSj34qrS_Q/WXuhBjvkpoI/AAAAAAAABgM/w64LRhGIIvo2NcDHtrL7_1Cb-jKR3iGzwCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-24%2BChetumal%2BElder%2BCarlson.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Elder Carson with Elder Carlson, the </span>assistant<span style="font-size: 12pt;">. :D</span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jL-YYOQqEAo/WXuhCIUeLXI/AAAAAAAABgU/tAW3o19Kp54N1D4Tx9fXxy43TIoOZZAjwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-24%2BChetumal%2BElders%2BDrew%2B%2526%2BSanchez.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jL-YYOQqEAo/WXuhCIUeLXI/AAAAAAAABgU/tAW3o19Kp54N1D4Tx9fXxy43TIoOZZAjwCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-24%2BChetumal%2BElders%2BDrew%2B%2526%2BSanchez.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Elder Drew, the assistent, with Elder Carson... hehe. And Elder Sanchez.</span></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002866172188033068.post-20864069899556897212017-07-28T13:48:00.001-07:002017-07-28T13:48:33.598-07:00Week 34 in the field!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Welcome to the Elder Show!!!&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">This week was rather full of fluff - we had to do a lot of odd things that WEREN’T teaching lessons, but I love being a missionary anyways!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">LECCIÒN DE LA SEMANA: Last week, we talked about changing faith to knowledge. This week, we’re taking our ideas and changing them into realities. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">I discovered a piece of the "success" puzzle that I have been missing for quite some time. That is, the Human Factor. I was always a little tyke with lots of grand ideas (ask my momma), but I thought they were perfect and didn’t want anyone else to touch them. They normally stayed in my journals and notebooks. Hidden. This week, in my spare time one night, I drafted my "Ideal Ward Mission Plan", but, instead of keeping it locked away in the notebook, I decided to share it with my companion (partly because he insisted to see what I was doing). He thought it was cool, but had some suggestions, so we changed it. Then, he said, "let’s bring it to the Mission Leader!" We scheduled a meeting, and our Ward Mission Leader thought the revised plan was cool, BUT he had a few suggestions, so we drafted another. He told us, "let’s bring it to the bishop!" so we scheduled a meeting for Bishop Herrera to look it over. He liked the third draft, BUT (what do you think?) he suggested some edits. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">After ALL those edits were completed, the bishop looked at us and said "... you know what? I think we should bring this to the Ward Council!" And it was done. After a few of their final pieces of feedback, we now have a Ward Mission Plan. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">When we have an idea, the first thing we should do is OPEN THE MOUTH THING THAT’S ON OUR FACE! God has given each one of us unique insights, and with the help of other perspectives, we can take these insights and make a real difference in the world. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">... Whew. I cede the soap box. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">--------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Elder Sanchez, while receiving a report from the Sister Missionaries, decided to practice a little English. In an attempt to say "One Moment, please!" he said "Want Woman, please!" I HEARD THE ASTONISHED CRY FROM THE PHONE ACROSS THE HOUSE! Death by laughter is real, folks.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We spent almost a whole day planning a Zone Conference and meeting with the Sister Trainers to revise said plan, but at the LAST MOMENT Hna. Reynoso called us to say the Conference was calcelled for an unforseen emergency..... mega sigh.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>E. Chamberlain and his son stayed one night at our house during exchanges! It was super - E. Chamberlain and I had a great time remembering our good times in the CCM and talking about other mish stuff. Also, we bought a bucket of Oreo ice cream and ate all of it. The four of us.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Our baptism in Bacalar is postponed because the extended family from Hidalgo wants to come... sigh. Some of them better be investigators! XD</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I bought a dragonfruit and ate it. Because... it’s just one of those little bucket-list things. SUPER YUM.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We went to church in Bacalar, and FOUR of our investigators came!! I was super happy - the leadership there is on point.</li></ul><o:p></o:p><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">That’ll be it for now, friends :) I admire you all for staying so strong despite all the worldliness that surrounds you. You have the power to make a serious impact, as long as you’re "anxiously engaged in a good cause", embracing the Human Factor, and sharing your great ideas with the world! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Keep it real! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Elder Carson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">------------------<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-elc_JiZ2Wac/WXuimPrQhYI/AAAAAAAABg0/gX9Z3Ff-ytcJLOHZwMIlzgULC5MaCq86wCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-07-17%2BChetumal%2BSunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-elc_JiZ2Wac/WXuimPrQhYI/AAAAAAAABg0/gX9Z3Ff-ytcJLOHZwMIlzgULC5MaCq86wCLcBGAs/s400/2017-07-17%2BChetumal%2BSunset.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">From the patio. Chetumal is beautiful!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YD3ncj-WSGY/WXuilWyoQAI/AAAAAAAABgo/ZN066tffnzUNBo2bDinlqe-8iEoIagsYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-17%2BChetumal%2BDragon%2BFruit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YD3ncj-WSGY/WXuilWyoQAI/AAAAAAAABgo/ZN066tffnzUNBo2bDinlqe-8iEoIagsYQCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-17%2BChetumal%2BDragon%2BFruit.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I may be a terrible photographer when rushed, but MAN I make good fruit-buying decisions in a pinch.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGW5zPOe0gw/WXuimOULrBI/AAAAAAAABg4/xiYoB5utnsYzdPeSLM1h-a59aByseF64ACEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-17%2BChetumal%2BMission%2BNewspaper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGW5zPOe0gw/WXuimOULrBI/AAAAAAAABg4/xiYoB5utnsYzdPeSLM1h-a59aByseF64ACEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-17%2BChetumal%2BMission%2BNewspaper.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">They made fun of me in the mission newspaper, (a) because they love me, and (b) because the Assistent, Elder CarLson, had a birthday.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_EhLHR_xVs/WXuilrYiPlI/AAAAAAAABgs/Wws6q2UxpIE1fYlYyWeeyjnyN2mOBuRqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-17%2BChetumal%2BDrew%2B%2526%2Bother%2BElder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_EhLHR_xVs/WXuilrYiPlI/AAAAAAAABgs/Wws6q2UxpIE1fYlYyWeeyjnyN2mOBuRqgCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-17%2BChetumal%2BDrew%2B%2526%2Bother%2BElder.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This guy`s going home soon. This shot is of our last moments together. *sniffles*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu-fhyqiynI/WXuilxGFrLI/AAAAAAAABgw/qehqL1Rmf2MmNLApoec8-jTBhp_73EgeACEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-17%2BChetumal%2BElder%2BSanchez.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu-fhyqiynI/WXuilxGFrLI/AAAAAAAABgw/qehqL1Rmf2MmNLApoec8-jTBhp_73EgeACEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-17%2BChetumal%2BElder%2BSanchez.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I took a random photo of my companion, and it turned out to be the advertisement for his future photography business. (all rights reserved.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lGuHbhRuyg/WXuilQKtQsI/AAAAAAAABgk/OkHJA6OYposcNB0wY0jvke7aUJNs5yrhgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-17%2BChetumal%2BBacalar%2BChurch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lGuHbhRuyg/WXuilQKtQsI/AAAAAAAABgk/OkHJA6OYposcNB0wY0jvke7aUJNs5yrhgCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-17%2BChetumal%2BBacalar%2BChurch.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Church in Bacalar - it`s a cute little town :D</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaxCPoPVJwA/WXuilXeWhFI/AAAAAAAABgg/g7XqTr5OyWYZ8O-02L8eOZ085Q15xg2cwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-07-17%2BChetumal%2BBacalar%2BStreets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaxCPoPVJwA/WXuilXeWhFI/AAAAAAAABgg/g7XqTr5OyWYZ8O-02L8eOZ085Q15xg2cwCEwYBhgL/s400/2017-07-17%2BChetumal%2BBacalar%2BStreets.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Bacalar in the streets. Love it here!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div></div>Jason Carsonnoreply@blogger.com0